Radio navigation training device



Oct. 18, 1949.

I 5. A. DECKER RADIO NAVIGATION TRAINING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 2'7, 1946 0 0 I, ll 6 a M M %m M W my. V V 6 k w 6 v! u 0 7 5. I unkw 4 MM 6 ,1. w) w 2 1 O V 2 a 1 Z 6 o MW V m a. m a N u M m 0 m m. a uhh; 4 M 5 Mm m mm. Hfl. WM/4 I 4 1 x ,u|l||l\\ 3 .0 m n m o m m GEORGE ALTON DECKER INVENTOR ATTO N EYS Oct. 18, 1949. e. A. DECKER RADIO NAVIGATION TRAINING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 27, 1946 INVENTOR Oct. 18, 1949. G. A. DECKER 8 RADIO NAVIGATION TRAINING DEVICE Filed July 27, 194 5 Sheets-Sheet s asa 3/2 fwz- AMPL/F/EH AMPLIFIER v 74 3am GEORGE AL'IIQIE CKER AT'I O g EYS Patented Oct. 18, 1949 RADIO NAVIGATION TRAINING DEVICE George Alton Decker, Fenton, N. Y., assignor to Link Aviation, Inc., Binghamton, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application July 27, 1946, Serial No. 686,605

3 Claims.

This invention relates to means for use in conjunction with grounded aviation trainers for simulating the operation of those radio ranges commonly referred to as YG or ZB ranges.

For many years radio ranges have formed a most important part of equipment utilized to assist in the navigation of aircraft. These ranges have conventionally taken the form of a transmitting system which transmits distinctive code signal into different sectors radiating from the location of the transmitters, and by intercepting and interpreting the code signals, the pilot or navigator of the plane is able to locate the position of the airplane with respect to the known position of the transmitting station. Perhaps the best known of such ranges is the conventional A-N ranges which are operated under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aeronautics Administration.

In recent years a different system of radio ranges has been devised, this system known as the YG or 23 system. Its primary use has been under military conditions where the transmitter itself is located in a movable fashion, e. g., upon an aircraft carrier. Such ranges are characterized by the fact that different code signals are transmitted into different sectors surrounding the transmitter, the signals being transmitted into any one sector varying according to the day and hour so that should the signals be intercepted by enemy aircraft the interceptor would not know the direction of the transmitter from his location. Periodically the code signals transmitted by the YG-ZB range are interrupted and during the period of interruption a different code signal is transmitted by which the pilot of the plane will be able to identify the ship upon which the transmitter is located. In order that the friendly pilot may know, upon the interception of a given code signal, the sector in which he is located, and consequently the direction of the transmitter from his location, each friendly pilot carries a code table telling him the various hours during the day during which a particular oriented code pattern will be transmitted. In order that this general system may be better understood, reference is made to Fig. 1, in which the YG or ZB transmitter may be assumed to be located at the point T where the north-south and eastwest lines intersect.

A very high frequency carrier wave is transmitted from a rotating directional antenna. This radiation is a directional beam approximately 45 degrees wide, which is rotated by mechanical rotation of the antenna assembly. Due to the directional-beam-type radiation, a receiver in an airplane remotely located from the antenna will receive only those signals which are radiated in the general direction of the receiver.

The transmitted carrier wave pattern is revolved clockwise through 360 degrees of azimuth at the rate of one revolution every 30 seconds. As it is revolved, international Morse code characters are impressed on the carrier wave at definite intervals. A different character is used during each 30 degrees of rotation, and this character is transmitted twice in its 30 degree sector.

In Fig. l, by way of illustration, as the antenna turns through the first 30 degrees of rotation, starting with the 345-degree azimuth bearing, the code character Z may be impressed on the carrier wave when the antenna passes the 352 degree point, and again when the antenna passes the 7 degree point. As the antenna turns through the next 30 degrees of rotation, the code character X may be impressed on the carrier wave when the antenna passes the 22 degree point, and again when it passes the 37 /2 degree point. As the antenna rotates through the remaining 30 degree sectors, a different character will be impressed on the carrier wave, twice in each sector. Thus the characters are impressed on the carrier wave at 15-degree intervals, but only for the duration of the character. The complete transmission is set up in relation to north, south, east and west, so that each directional coding character is always sent in the same direction on each revolution of the antenna assembly.

The only signals heard by the operator in an aircraft located at a distance from the transmitter are those radiated in that direction, and those approximately within 22 degrees on each side.

The pilot or operator (hereinafter referred to as the pilot) tunes to the carrier frequency of the transmitter and notes the comparative strength of the signals heard as well as their sequence. For example, if a plane were located at P in Fig. 1, first he will hear the letter U comparatively weak, then the letter U strong, and then the letter C weak. He can then consult his code chart and note that he is located at about 307 degrees from the transmitter. In order to reach the home base at the transmitter, he flies the reciprocal of 307 degrees.

During each tenth rotation of, the antenna assembly, the above described directional coding sequence is changed to a special code for the identification of the transmitter. This is necessary inasmuch as other transmitters may be in the vicinity. Eight pairs of station identification letter are transmitted during this tenth revolution, the center line of the first pair being 22 degrees either side of north, and the center lines of the other pairs being every 45 degrees therefrom.

When the plane is in the immediate location of the transmitter, signals transmitted through the entire 360 degrees of rotation may be heard, as shown in the center of Fig. 1.

This invention aims to provide improved equipment which may be used in conjunction with grounded aviation trainers to si'mulate the operation of real YG-ZB ranges, whereupon valuable training may be secured, under confuselage 22, and a hood 48 is slidably mounted upon the top of the fuselage in order that the student-may be'completely enclosed in the fuselageduring his practice sessions therein. Upon I the side of fuselag22 are mounted a plurality of trolled conditions, in navigationby"means of the ranges in question.

In order that the preferred embodiment of my inventionmay be clearly understood, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein Figf l is an illustrative drawing of a possible pattern of the field of radiation of ranges of the type being considered.

\ Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one type of wellknown training: equipment with which my inven- 'tion may be combined.

"Fig.3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the transmitting assembly, and Fig. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the same with certain parts omitted.

, Fig. 5 is atop view of one of the directional coding cams and the-switch operated thereby.

Fig. 6 is a partial cross sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of Fig.- 6A.

--Fig. 6A is a detail view of the bottom of a portion of the transmitting antenna and shield.

Fig. is a cross sectional View taken along the line VI I-VII of Fig. 3.

Figs. 8and-9 show in detail the cams of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a schematic wiring diagram of the signal transmitting system.

Fig. 11 shows the instructors control panel. *Fig. l2-shows the receiving antenna, certain parts-being cut away for'purposes of illustration. Fig. 1'3' isa schematic-diagram of the electrical *partsof the receiving system.

Referring now to Fig. 2, it will be seen that the'stationary base of the-trainer is designated -and'the fuselage by 22. Within fuselage 22 isfprovideda seat 24 facing the instrument panel 26'upon which aremounted a plurality of instruments 28, the appearance of which simulates the respective instruments used in actual instrument flight. A control-wheel. 30 is provided, and fuselage 22 is supported by auniversal joint which in turnqis supported by a verticalspindle rotatably mounted in the stationary base 20. A plurality of fcollapsible-expansible bellows 32 are provided, the upper sides of these bellows being afiiXed to thezbottom of fuselage 22, and the lower portions of these bellows are affixed to cross arms which ;carry the octagon 40. The cross arms also are 'afiixed to the rotatable vertical spindle for rotationtherewith. Control wheel 30 is arranged to control the expansion ofbellows 32 so that the student occupying-seat 24 may, by manipulation of the control wheel 38, cause the fuselage 22 to assume diving or banking attitudes, or combinations thereof, in thesame manner that he would cause a real plane to assume corresponding attitudes. Within the fuselage 22 are provided a pair of rudder pedals 3 4 which are arranged to energize the turning motor 36'to rotate the fuselage 22 about its vertical axis in'a direction deinspection doors .50 which may be selectively removed to permit inspection of the mechanism insidefuselage 2 2.

-The previously described trainer is well known to the prior art, and for details of its construction reference is made to .U. S. Patents 1,825,462 and 2,099,857. issued to Edwin A. Link.

Also forming a part of the training apparatus of thetype with .whichthis'invention is being illustratedis the desk 52 uponthe top of which is mounted acha'rt 54 of the area in which it is assumed the fuselage 22 is flying during .the practice session in question. Mounted upon'the chart 54 is-the conventional recorder designated generally. 56, this recorder sometimes being referred to as the flight simulating device. Recorder 56-has two .propelIing wheels 58 (only one shown) and an inking wheelfill, these"three wheels supporting'recorder 56 upon chart 54. Recorder 56 is connected to thefuselage .22 by means of'cable's .62 and 62aythe formercable passing through andbeing held by pipe 64 in order thatthe'cablBZ will notinterfere atany time'with the movements of recorder 56. As is well known to the prior art, the propelling wheels 58 may be rotated ata rate dependent upon the instant assumed ground speed of the fuselage 22,; this assumed ground speed in turn being dependent upon the instant. assumed factors of fuselage-heading, fuselage airspeed, wind speed, and wind direction. Accordingly, recorder 56 moves over chart 54 at a -rate dependent upon instant assumed-ground speed. The two propelling wheels- 58 and 'the'inking wheel 60 are also directionally controlled so that the instant directionof movement of recorder 56 over chart depends upon the'instant assumed track of fuselage .22. Instant assumed track also depends upon the same four just mentioned factors.

Inasmuch as the recorder 56 covers .a large area upon-theechart5 l, the inking wheel 60 is selected to designate the exact assumed geographical position of fuselage 22..

For-adetailed description of the construction and-'operationof the recorder 56, .reference is made toU. S. Patent "2,179,663 issued to Edwin A. Link. Fora detailed disclosure of theapparatus for causing the speed of travel and direction of travel of recorder '56 to be in accordance with the above four stated factors, reference is made to the copending application'of Gunne Lowkrantz and-Karl A.-Kail,'Seri'a1-Number 406,056, filed August 8, 1941, for Wind drift instrument, as-

signed to the same assignee'asmy invention contained herein.

All ofthe..preceding disclosed apparatus, being wellknownto the prior art','forins no part inand ofitself, ofthis' invention; but is highly. useful when used .in combination with the invention which will now be disclosed.

"Fiifedly supported by thedesk52 is the tubular metal framework designated generally by 64, this framework including two U-shaped members 66 interconnected by the transverse members 68. A plurality of angularly disposed members are also provided to strengthen the U-shaped members. Depending from the top of the framework 68 are the vertical supporting members 12 which support the large wooden box I4 which in turn supports the transmitting assembly designated generally by 16 which forms an important part of this invention.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 which is a partial cross sectional view of the transmitter assembly 16 and to Fig. 4. In Fig. 3 the bottom of the box T4 is designated 18, and it will be seen that a circular hole 80 is cut in bottom 18. A circular disc 82 having a flange 84 is mounted upon the bottom 18 so that the flange 84 overlies the edge of bottom 18 around hole 80. Located some distance above the disc 82 is a second disc 86 which is supported by three spacing assemblies designated generally by 90, only two of these spacing assemblies being shown. Inasmuch as all three of these spacing assemblies are identical in construction, only the left one in Fig. 3 will be described in detail. Each of these assemblies comprises a bolt 92, threaded at its lower end and having a head 94 engaging the top of disc 86. A sleeve 96 encircles bolt 92, the upper end of this sleeve engaging the lower side of disc 86. A nut 98 is threaded upon the bolt 92 and engages the lower end of sleeve 96. A second nut I00 is threaded on bolt'92 and engages the upper side of disc 82, while a third nut I02 is threaded upon the lowermost end of bolt 92 and engages the lower side of disc 82. By virtue of the arrangement of the spacing assemblies 90, the distance of the disc 86 from the bottom 18 of box 14 may be selectively adjusted, for reasons which will later appear.

A synchronous motor I04 is provided, and this motor may be connected to a suitable source of power and a simple on-off switch to run at the rate of two revolutions per minute. A flange I06 is afiixed to the housing of motor I04, this flange being held adjacent the lower side of disc 86 by means of screws I08. The output shaft of motor I04 is designated I I0, and aifixed upon the output shaft by means of pin H2 is the spur gear II4 which drives gear H6. Gear H6 is rotatably mounted upon the stud I I8 which passes through the disc 86, the lower end of this stud being press-fitted into the boss I20 which is integrally formed with and upon the outside of the housing I22 which may be in the form of a casting. Gear H6 in turn drives the gear I24 which, by means of set screw I26, is aflixed upon the central vertical shaft I28. The inner circular cylinder I29 of housing I22 is recessed at I30 for the reception of the outer race of the ball bearings I32, the inner race of this hearing being press-fitted upon the central vertical shaft I28. The lower central portion of housing I22 is also recessed at I34 for the reception of the outer race of ball bearing I36, the inner race of this bearing being fitted upon the adjacent portion of shaft I28. The gear I24 is at a 1:1 ratio with gear I I4, and therefore they central vertical shaft I28rotates at the same rate as the output shaft IIO of motor I04, viz., 2 R. P. M.

Afilxed upon the upper end of central shaft I28 by means of pin I38 is the hub I40 of the cam supporting casting I42. Four circular cams I44,-

I46, I46, and I50 are carried by member I42, each of these cams being separated from the adjacent .cam or cams by means of a spacer I52. A plurality of studs I54 fixedly position the cams I44, I46, I48 and I50, as well as the spacers I52 upon the supporting member I42.

It will therefore be appreciated that each of the cams rotates with the shaft I28 at the rate of two revolutions per minute.

The upper three cams in Fig. 3 are the directional coding cams, i. e., they are used in a manner to be later more fully explained to establish distinctive code signals in different sectors in a manner to simulate the operation of the real YG or ZB ranges as previously explained. Three such cams are provided in order that three different patterns of directional coding may be selectively used by the instructor in charge of training the student in fuselage 22. It will be appreciated that the peripheral pattern of any one of these three cams may be selected in order to simulate any desired pattern of directional coding. Furthermore, any one of these three cams may be replaced by substitute cams to simulate different directional coding patterns.

The lowermost .cam I50 is provided in order that the practice of intermittently sending out station identification signals may be-simulated.

Cam I50 is therefore referred to as the station or transmitter identification cam. The peripheral pattern of this cam may be made as desired, and it also may be replaced by a different cam having a different station identification peripheral pattern.

There is mounted upon the plate 86 by means of screw I56 the bracket I58, bracket I58 in turn supporting the four switches I44a, I46a, I48a and I50a, respectively engaging the cams I44, I46, I48 and I50.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5 which is a top view of the cam assembly. The cam I44 is clearly shown, as is the switch assembly I44a. The central shaft I28 and the hub I40 as well as the outer ring of casting I42 are shown, and it will be seen that the outer ring I42 is connected to the hub I40 by means of the four radial supporting members I60. The studs I54 may also be seen, as are the washers I62 which are placed between the heads of the studs I54 and the cam I44.

Each of the switches I44a, I46a, Mile and MM is identical in construction, and therefore only the parts of switch I440. will be described in detail. The switch I 44a includes a fixed contact I64 and a movable contact I66, the end of contact I68 being bent back because the cam I44 rotates clockwise as seen in Fig. 5. It will be appreciated that the points I68 of switch l44a open and close, as cam I44 is rotated, in accordance with the peripheral pattern of cam I44. Each of the contacts I64 and I66 of switch M411 is carried by the insulating members I10 which are affixed to bracket I58 by means of screws I12. The conductor I14 is connected to the end of contact I64 while conductor I16 is connected to the end of contact I56.

Referring now to Fig. 3 it will be seen that a sleeve I18 is freely mounted upon the central vertical shaft I28, and press-fitted upon this sleeve are the cam I and ratchet I82. Accordingly, sleeve I18, cam I80 and ratchet I82 are freely mounted to move as a unit with respect to the shaft I28. A second cam I84 having an integral collar I86 is affixed upon shaft I28 by means of pin I88. In Figs. 3 and 6, the circular disc I90 having an integral collar I92 is afi'ixed upon the lower end of shaft I28 by means of pin I94. Suitand accordingly it makes one complete rotation each five minutes. The cam I80 rotates with ratchet I82, and consequently it also makes one complete rotation each five minutes.

Inasmuch as the projection l80a of cam I80 occupiesapproximately one-tenth of the circumference of cam I80, projection I80a will engage the plunger 216 for 30 seconds out of every five minutes, or for one rotation of the antenna 2I2. When so engaged, plunger 216 is moved to the left in Fig. '7, forcing the resilient switch member 212 away from contact 284 and into engagement with the contact 218. This engagement will continue for the duration of thirty seconds, whereupon projection I80a is moved beyond plunger 216, and the resilience of switch member 212 forces the plunger 216 to the right in Fig. 7, and switch member 212 engages the contact 284. This engagement will continue for a period of four and one half minutes, or for nine rotations of antenna 2I2, whereupon the projection I800. will again engage plunger 216, and the cycle is again started.

By means of the apparatus shown in Fig. '7, it will be later shown that the signal field established by the antenna 2I2 may for a period of four and one half minutes or for nine rotations of antenna 2I2 be coded with directional coding signals, and that for the ensuing 30 seconds or for one rotation of antenna 2I2 the established field may be coded by the station identification signals. Then the cycle is recommenced.

Reference is now made to Fig. 10 which is an electrical wiring diagram of the transmitting sys term which may form an important part of this invention. In Fig. 10 there is shown a grounded audio oscillator 302 which may be of any conventional construction. This oscillator is connected through the shielded cable 304, on-ofi switch 303, relay operated switch 380 and shielded cable 30411 with potentiometer 306 which may have one end grounded. The potentiometer rotor is designated 308 and is under the control of the volume control 308a. shown in Fig. 11, the position of which is also shown in Fig. 2. Rotor 308 is in turn connected to the rotor 3I0 by means of shielded cable 3| I, rotor 3I0 forming a part of the selector switch designated generally by 3I2. Rotor 3 I is under the control of the selector control knob 3I0a, also shown in Fig. 11. The rotor 310 may be positioned by the instructor to selectively engage any one of the contacts designated I, 2 and 3. Terminal 3 is connected by shielded cable I16 to the movable member I66 of the switch I44a. This switch has previously been described in detail and, as shown in Fig. 5, is under the control of the upper directional coding cam I44. The fixed contact I64 of switch MM is connected through the shielded conductor I14 and shielded conductor 288 to the fixed contact 284, also shown in Fig. '1. The movable contact 212, also shown in Fig. "I, is connected through the conductor 213 with the brush I98a which, it will be recalled, is in engagement at all times with the slip ring I98. As previously explained, slip ring I88 is electrically connected to the antenna 2I2 by means of the pin 220, as shown in Fig. 6.

The terminal 2 of selector switch 3I2 is connected by means of the shielded conductor I16a to the movable contact of switch I46a, which it will be recalled is constructed identically the same as switch MM, and is under the control of the directional coding cam I46. Switch I46a is connected by shielded conductor 288 and the previously described intermediate conducting elements with the transmitting antenna 2I2.

The terminal I of selector switch 3I2 is connected by means of shielded cable I16b with movable contact of the switch I480 which also is like switch [4411, switch I48a being under the control of the directional coding cam I48. The fixed contact of switch Him is in turn connected to antenna 2I2 through the shielded cables HM and 288 and the intermediate connecting elements.

At the same time the potentiometer rotor 308 is connected through the shielded conductor I16c with the movable contact of switch I50a which, it will be recalled, is also identical with switch I44a. The fixed contact of switch I50a is connected through the shielded cable 282, with the second fixed contact 210 selectivel engaged by the movable contact 212, as seen in Fig. 7. Contact 218. is connected through the movable contact 212 and previously described electrical connecting members with the antenna 2I2.

The shielded cables shown in Fig. 10 are grounded, as indicated in that figure, and the shielding plate 204 is electrically connected to the disc I which in turn is connected to the slip ring 200 through the pin Him, as previously described in connection with Fig. 6. Slip ring 200 is in turn engaged by brush 200a which is grounded through the conductor 20I.

A resistor 326 interconnects the conductor 213 and conductor 20I for purposes to be later explained.

Referring now to Fig. 10, it will be appreciated that when the oscillator switch 303 is closed the audio signal generated by the oscillator will pass along conductor 304 to the potentiometer 306, if switch 380 is properly positioned. The signal will be picked up by rotor 308 at a volume dependent upon the position of rotor 308 relative to potentiometer 306, and the signal will pass along the shielded cable I160 to the movable contact of switch I50a which is under the control of the station identification cam I50. As the cam I50 is rotated through two revolutions each minute, switch I50a will be intermittently opened and closed in accordance with the station-identification peripheral pattern of this cam, and a signal will pass along the shielded cable 282 to the fixed contact 218, this signal having a pattern determined by the peripheral pattern of cam I50. Accordingly, the fixed contact 218 is always energized with a signal, the pattern of which depends upon the peripheral pattern of station identification cam I50.

It will also be appreciated that at the same time the signal generated by oscillator 382 passes along the shielded cable 3H to the movable contact M0, and depending upon the position of this contact, i. e., whether it engages terminal I, 2 or 3, the signal will pass along one of the shielded cables I16, 516a, or I161) to the movable contact of one of the switches M411, M611, or I48a. It will be recalled that these switches are respectively under the control of the directional coding cams I44, I46, and I48. These three switches, when the apparatus is in operation, are each constantly opening and closing in a pattern corresponding to the peripheral pattern of the cam which controls each switch. Dependent upon the position of the rotor 3I0, a signal having a code pattern dependent upon which switch 144a, 1460., or a is selected will pass along the shielded cable 288 to the fixed contact 284. Accordingly, the fixed contact 284 is always energized in a directional coding pattern dependent upon the code pattern of the selected switch 144a, l46a, or l48a.

It has been previously explained in connection with the construction shown in Fig. '7 that the movable resilient contact 2l2 alternately engages the contact 284 and the contact 213-con-- tact 272 engaging the contact 284 for a period of four minutes and a half and then under the operation of the cam ESE: engages the contact 218 for a period of thirty seconds, followed by another period of four and a half minutes of engagement with the contact 284, etc. Accordingly, in Fig. 10, during the four and one half minute period when contact 212 engages the fixed contact 284, the directiona1 coding signals will be carried along conductor 213 to the brush I981; where they will be transferred to the slip ring I98 and conducted by means of the pin 22% to the transmitting antenna 2l2. The antenna 212 will, during the same four and one half minutes, rotate through 360 degrees exactly nine times to establish a rotating field having a code pattern dependent upon the peripheral pattern of one of the cams M4, M6, or MS. Clearly, this pattern may be the same as that shown in Fig. 1.

Upon the expiration of the four and one half minute period, the flexible contact 272 will be moved into engagement with the fixed contact 218, and during the one half minute period of this engagement, or for one complete rotation of antenna 2|2, antenna 2i2 will be energized in a code pattern corresponding to the peripheral pattern of the identification cam 150; The rotating field established by antenna 2H2 will, of course, be similarly coded.

Inasmuch as the antenna 2l2and the shield 204 having the cut-out portion 232wil1 be rotated through 360 twice each minute, not only .1

is the field established by antenna 212*alternately coded with directional coding signals and station identification signals but a field established by antenna 212 is constantly rotated in the clockwise direction, as seen from above, through 729 degrees each minute. The peripheral pattern of each of the three cams 14 1, M6 and M8 is arranged so that as antenna 2|2 is rotated, distinctive code letters are transmitted as shown in Fig. 1 in the various sectors. pattern of station identification cam I50 is, of course, such that the two station identification letters will be transmitted eight times during the one rotation of antenna 2l2; All four identification cams are properly oriented with respect to shaft I28 so that the correct signals are transmitted'in the proper assumed directions with respect to the orientation of chart- 54 of Fig. 2, upon which may be marked the assumed cardinal and other directions (north, east, etc).

Reference is now made to Fig; 4 where the recorder or flight simulating device 56 is shown resting upon the map or chart 54 which'in turn is held by the top of table 52. The top of the recorder is designated 330, and this'top carries the azimuth scale 334. A pointer 336 ismounted for movement relative to scale 334, pointer 336 being aifixed for movement with the inking wheel 69 in order to indicate the instant track or assumed direction of movement over the ground of the fuselage 22.

Affixed upon the top of the recorder by means of screws 338 is the bracket 320 which supports the receiving antenna designated generally by 342. The receiving antenna, as will be seen; ex-

The peripheral tends vertically, and its axis is coincident with the point at which the inking wheeltfl touches chart 54. Accordingly, the vertical axis-of antenna 342 always intersects chart 54 at the instant assumed location of fuselage 22. Reference is now made to Fig. 12 which discloses in detail the antenna and bracket arrangement. The bracket 340 is seen to have an uppermost horizontal crosspiece 344 which assists in supporting the antenna 342. Antenna 342 includes an outer tubular member atom which is housed the insulated cable 368, the conductor within cable 348 being designated 350, and serving as the receiving antenna. Enclosed in the lower end of metal tube 346 and alsoencircling the insulated cable 3 38 is the shield 352 whichmay be suitably grounded.

In the top of the tube 345 is placed the insulating plug 354', through which the conductor or receiving antenna passes, the upper end of receiving antenna 350 being flush with the upper end of insulator 35 5; As seen in Fig. 4, the shield 352 which includes antenna 359 passes through the recorder top 330, and, referring to Figi' l3, it will be seen that the antenna 35fl is', directly connected to the grid 3560f the tube 358 ofthe preamplifier 362. Also, antenna 3506s connected to ground through resistor'3502z'. This'preamplifier preferably is contained within the housing of recorder 56. The output of the preamplifier 358 may be connected through'the cable '62, als0 shown in Fig. 2, to a conventionalamplifier'362 located in the desk 52. 'This amplifier' mayin turn be connected through the conductor cable 62a to the students control box 364 thelocation of which is also shown in Fig. 2. 'Thestudents control box 354 is in turn connected through conductor 368 with the earphones 368, used by the student within fuselage 22.

Upon the students control box-"36 k is placed the volume control 3101by means of which the student may regulate the intensity of the signals received by means of earphones 368.

It has been previously explained that the transmitting antenna 2i2'establishe a rotating field, the rotating fieldbeing-directionally coded for a predetermined length of time and then codedwith a station identification signal for a predetermined length of time,-: whereupon the cycle is recommenced. It will be appreciated that the top of receiving antenna 350, beingplaced a very short distancebelow the shield 204, will have a voltage induced therein, the magnitude of this voltage being dependent upon the distance of the receiving antenna 350. -fromthe transmitting antenna 2l2. Inasmuch as the point upon chart 54 intersectedby the axis of vertical shaft 828 represents the exact assumed position of the transmitting station, it .will be appreciated that the farther the inking wheel and the axis of tube .i lzare from that point the weaker will be the voltage induced in antenna 350; because of the upward inclination of antenna 2l2. Accordingly, the greater the assumed distance of the fuselage 22 from the assumed location'of the transmitting station, the weaker will be the intercepted signal. The students volume control are may be used by him to regulate the intensity of the signals according to the genera-l'intensity of the signals heard by him. secondlyfthe distance betweenthe topof receiving antenna 350 and the transmitting antenna 2l2 is a function of the rotatable position of transmitting antenna 2i2 relative to the position'of the top' of receiving antenna 350. Thusyonly"when thetop-of receiving antenna 350 is below the cut-out portion 232 or 232a or very nearly so will a voltage be induced in receiving antenna 350. As the antenna M2 and shield 204 rotate so that antenna 350 is below the edge of cut-out portion 232 or very nearly so, a small voltage will be induced in antenna 350 and, therefore, a relatively weak signal will be heard in earphones 368. As the transmitting antenna rotates the signal intensity is increased to a maximum when the transmitting antenna is directly above receiving antenna 350, and further rotation of the transmitting antenna results in an attenuation of the signal intensity until, when the cut-out portion 232 moves a small angle past the receiving antenna, no voltage is induced in the receiving antenna, and no signal is heard in earphones 368. The entire signal duration is for approximately 45 degrees of rotation of antenna 2| 2. Accordingly, the signal intensity is a function of the transverse displacement of inkin wheel 60 from the axis of shaft 1 28 and of the rotatable position of antenna 2l2 relative to receiving antenna 350.

The code cams are, of course, formed so that the proper number of signals are transmitted during the 45 degrees of rotation of antenna 2l2.

Inasmuch as signals from a real YG-ZB transmitter are heard during an increasingly larger .proportion of the time as a real plane approaches the transmitter, and when in the immediate vicinity of the transmitter the entire cycle of transmission is intercepted, the transmitting antenna 2l2 is flattened at 2l2a, as shown in Fig. 6, and the lower edge of the flattened end is in the same plane as the bottom of shield 204, the flattened portion 2l2a being in slot 232a. In this manner, when the receiving antenna 350 approaches the axis of shaft I28, the duration of intercepted signals increases, and when the receiving antenna is in the immediate assumed location of the transmitter, signals are heard throughout the entire 360 degrees of movement of the transmitting antenna 212.

It will be appreciated, therefore, that the signals heard by the student depend upon the same assumed factors which govern the signals heard by a real plane tuned to a real YG-ZB transmitter.

In view of the preceding disclosure, my invention employs means whereby an electrostatic field is created between the transmitting antenna and ground. The receiving antenna is placed in this fleId and is connected to ground through a resistor. As the strength of the electrostatic field in the vicinity of the receiving antenna is varied-by coding, rotation of the transmitting antenna or movements of the receiving antenna-the voltage difierence between the receiving antenna and ground is varied, and a resultant current flow through the resistor occurs. This current flow is amplified, and the resultant signals are heard by the student using the earphones.

It will be noted that the disclosed embodiment of my invention is as simple as the case admits, and is very easily and cheaply manufactured, due to a large degree to the employment of the capacitive or electrostatic transmitting and receiving means. The electrostatic field may be more easily controlled than any other known type of field, and the simplicity of the antenna and shield render the adjustment of these elements to the shape required to give the correct signal pattern a very simple matter.

The resistor 326 is employed in Fig. 10 so that the transmitting antenna 2l2 will operate into a constant impedance at all times. It will be appreciated that in the absence of this resistor the transmitter would operate into the extremely high impedance between the antenna 350 and shield 204. The value of this impedance changes with moisture conditions, etc. The employment of the resistor 326 not only reduces the value of this impedance, but also maintains the impedance at a constant value. Proper signal transmission is, therefore, improved.

- The adjustable spacers 90 are employed so that the shield 204 may be levelled as well as separated from the top of receiving antenna 350 by the proper distance.

With the previously disclosed apparatus it has been found that the operation of real YG-ZB transmitting stations may be accurately simulated, and that the signals heard by the student using the earphones 368 faithfully simulate the signals heard by a receiver in a plane in actual flight tuned to the carrier frequency of the transmitter, under the corresponding real conditions. It will be appreciated that the directional coding and station identification cams may be given any desired peripheral pattern, and that the apparatus may be oriented in any desired manner insofar as assumed direction of transmission of any particular code letter is concerned, in order to simulate the code pattern of any particular range at any selected time. The student in fuselage 22 may be supplied with a code chart and he may, just as in actual flight, determine the assumed direction of the transmitting station from his assumed location by interpreting the intercepted signals. In order to simulate the actual homing upon the transmitting station, he may, upon ascertaining his assumed location from the station, place the fuselage 22 upon the proper heading. This may be accomplished by use of the magnetic compass conventionally provided in fuselage 22. The recorder 56 properly responds to changes in the orientation of fuselage 22, as is well understood by those skilled in the art, and 45 during the homing process the signals will change in volume just as in actual flight when corresponding maneuvers are accomplished.

In order that actual flying conditions may be further simulated, there may be placed in the box 14 above the desk 52 in Fig. 1 a second transmitting assembly like that previously disclosed herein in Figs. 3 to 10, and the transmitter selection switch 312 in Fig. 13 may be used to energize the relay 314 in Fig. 10 to switch the signal 55 from the oscillator 302 along the conductor 316 to an alternate transmitting system 318 which may be identical in construction and operation with the single system previously described herein in detail and shown in Figs. 3 to 10. Of course 60 only one receiving antenna 350 and one set of elements between the receiving antenna and earphones 368 would be utilized. The provision of the second transmitting system makes possible the simulating of a real plane flying in the 65 vicinity of two real YG-ZB transmitters, to each of which the receiving set in the plane may be tuned at will.

It will therefore be appreciated that this invention discloses apparatus which is highly use- 7 ful in instructing students, upon the ground, in the navigation of aircraft by means of YG-ZB directional ranges. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes may be made in the detailed construction of this in-v 7 vention without departing from the substance 15 ther'eofcc :Allrsuch' changese are --intended to be covered by theioIIQWingcIaims.

I claim?" 1; A rotating radio beacon simulator'fcr use in conjunction-fwith a grounded aviation trainer comprising; in combination; .7 a rotatable vertical shaft; a pair of cams mountedxuponxsaid' shaft for rotation: therewith; two: switches "each havin at least two terminals and reach. arranged-to be operated-by adifierent one.-of= saidrcams, a signal generator, a connection fromsaidgenerator to one terminal: of each of saiditwo switches, a third switch and a. transmittingantenna,said transmite ting antenna being carried by said shaft for rotation therewith, said third switch having two stationary, contacts and a movable contact-for alternately engaging either of the stationary contacts; av connection -fIOmthe: other terminal of one of said: two switches to oneof the stationary contacts of saidthird switch and a connection fromthe other. terminal of the other of said :two switches to the other stationarycontact of said third switch, a conneotion fromthe movablecom tact-of said-third switch to said antenna,-and means operated by the rotation of said vertical shait-for'alternately engaging the movable contact of said third switch with its two stationary contacts.

2.- Arotatingradio beacon simulator for use in conjunction with a grounded aviation trainer comprising, in combination, a rotatable vertical shaft, a pairof cams mounted upon said shaft for rotationtherewith, two switches each having at least-two terminals and each arranged to be operated by a different one of said cams, a signal generator, a connection from said generator to oneterminal of each of said two switches, a, third switch and a transmitting antenna, said transmitting-antenna being carried by said shaft for rotation therewith, said thirdswitch having two stationary contacts and a movable-contact for alternately engaging either of the stationary contacts, a connection from the other terminal of 16 onegrof said-'two. switches-1m DnegOf; theistationm contacts :Of said third 2 switch =andIa? connection from the other-terminator theother or said-rtwo switches to theother, stationaryr-contaetwofr saidthird switch/a connection iromtheamouable none tact of said third switch to said antenna; and cam and ratchet meansloperatedi-by the rotation of said verticalv shaft-for alternately z'engwgingvtho movable contact of; said third zSWitGh Within; two stationary contactsr 3. In a navigation trainingl device oi the, tram described the; combinatiomofa' vertical shaftisa; motor'for rotatin lsaid'shaft, an antenna-carried by said shait for rotationwtherewithzza switch having, two ,stationarycontactsmnd roneimovablc contact, means -for-energizing flfiGhriOf the stae tiona-rv contacts of-said switch-in aidifl'erentwpre determined code pattern, an electrical? connect-s tion from the movable? contactuof said-switch. to said antenna; a, first; cam carried, by :saidrshafit for rotation (therewith, ratchet: means -.-operated by said cam and Ya, :second camioperatedrJoy-saidratchet means fona'lternately moving-.sa.ldmmsn able contact-into.enga ementcwith:saidstationary contacts:

GEGRGE ALTON; DECKERsn REFERENCES :GITEDrJ The following references-are of record inthe file of this patent:

UNITED. STATES .PALIEN I'S Number Name 2,312,962 DG'FIOI'GZ': Maria, 1948 2326, 764 Crane Aug=-17,'=1'943 2,352,216 Melvin June-27,!3944 2,359;294'= Blenman Oct."3; 1944 2,429,597 Andrews Oct; 2831 -1947 2,435,502 Lang Feb'S -3; 1*948 OTHER :REE'ERENCESr 

